A cancer unit featuring the latest state-of-the-art equipment has been officially opened in Norfolk.

The Colney Centre is based at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital and boasts technology which allows patients to be treated far more quickly.

The centre, which cost £20m, will treat about 2,800 patients a year.

Professor Mike Richards, national cancer director, who formally opened the unit, said: "It's got all the right equipment and it's got fantastic staff who are delivering the very best treatment. It is something to be really proud of."

Professor Ann Barrett, the hospital's lead clinician for cancer, said the centre was great news for patients.

"They will be in and out of treatment much more quickly and that of course means we can treat more people and will have shorter waiting lists, which is obviously good for patients," she said.